In the first DFL caucus endorsement of the 2010 gubernatorial campaign, Matt Entenza has been endorsed by the Stonewall DFL, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, friends and allies caucus of the DFL Party of Minnesota.

“Matt Entenza’s position on the issues important to our members is as simple as it is strong: equality for all Minnesotans – period,” said Del Jenkins, chair of Stonewall DFL. “It is easy for us to support someone we truly believe will make the best governor of Minnesota.”

"I, like many of my fellow Minnesotans, am troubled by Governor Tim Pawlenty’s cuts to health care, education and other services that benefit the poor and his go-it-alone style of governing -- which is not the same as leadership. The future of Minnesota cannot be about only one person’s beliefs, and we should not resort to the old politics of us against them. We need leaders who accept that everyone shares responsibility for the betterment of our state and that all Minnesotans need to be able to reach their full potential -- poor and rich alike.

"I believe most Minnesotans want to see our state embrace the progressive tradition that made it a national leader in education, health care, and clean energy. Matt Entenza is the kind of leader who will get us back on track. He has traveled throughout the state to hear directly from the people. He's a realist who is motivated by his very humble beginnings, which many of us can relate to and get inspired by -- especially immigrants like me.

"I’ve had the pleasure talking with Matt, and in the process, I have realized that he possess the ability not only to deal with our current problems, but also to foresee future ones. That is why I am endorsing Matt Entenza in his quest to become Minnesota's next governor."

"When I was in the Minnesota Senate, I proudly represented residents of southern Minnesota. I focused on the needs of the people in my district, like agriculture, economic development, energy and rural health care.

"Our need for health care reform, as a state and as a country, has only become more pressing since my time in the Senate. And so it is for my family, too. Five years ago, my wife, Janel, was diagnosed with a disease like Alzheimer's. One of the best things that has happened to us since that time is connecting with an organization that helps us navigate the disease's challenges. It's the kind of sensible, cost-effective program that should be part of comprehensive health care reform.

"But it takes vision, leadership and a commitment to doing what's right to get things like this accomplished -- on the federal level and on the state level. For too many years in Minnesota, we've been lacking this kind of vision, leadership and commitment. In 2010, we have the opportunity to make a change -- and our state needs that change as badly as our nation did in 2008. We need a leader with vision like Matt Entenza.

"As someone who grew up in greater Minnesota, Matt understands that real health care reform will require more than simply creating a program; it will involve ensuring quality health care providers are available all over the state. It will involve meeting long-term care needs for our growing elderly population. It will involve a focus on delivering care, not just administering insurance.

"At this critical time for Minnesota -- when we not only face serious health care issues but also major economic, employment, and education challenges -- I know Matt Entenza will focus squarely on making Minnesota work again. His commitment to health care for all is firm and proven by his record in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He has a vision for rebuilding our economy and creating jobs all over the state. And from his own personal experience, Matt knows that education is the key to enabling people to build a better life for themselves -- and to creating even more jobs and opportunities for the people of our state.

"I know Matt will be a great governor for all of Minnesota. I hope you will join me in supporting him."

"Matt Entenza will be a great governor. He is old enough to know us and young enough to help. He is a rural person, which appeals to me. I know whether we are rural or urban we are all residents of the same state, but it has been a long time since we had a governor about whom we rural people can proudly say, ‘He is one of ours.'"

“As a teacher, so much of what happens in my classroom depends on decisions made by our governor. If we want the kind of future our kids deserve, it is essential that our state’s leaders understand not just what our students need, but how fill those needs.

“I’m supporting Matt Entenza because I’ve seen how Matt solves problems firsthand. When Matt sees a problem, he finds an innovative effective solution, and he makes it happen. It’s as simple as it is rare. Matt Entenza is the kind of leader Minnesota needs right now.”

"I’m supporting Matt Entenza because I feel that he understands rural issues better than the other candidates. He grew up in greater Minnesota and knows what it takes to help rural Minnesota survive and thrive. Matt’s experience as a State legislator and as the House Minority leader has prepared him to lead our state into the future. Matt is a bright, hard working advocate and I am proud to support him."

"As an educator and leader in the gay community, I have worked with Matt on human rights since 1996. Matt has consistently been an assertive and effective force and friend working on behalf of the GLBT community."

“I have known Matt Entenza for almost 20 years; he and I represented the same district for 12 years, and I have always been impressed by his commitment to public service, his intelligence, his analytical style, and above all, his desire to do what is best for Minnesota irrespective of politics. These are the qualities that have been missing from the Governor’s office for the last six-and-a-half years, and I know that Matt is the candidate who can win and bring these talents to the governorship.”

"Over the fifteen years we've known Matt, he has advocated unwaveringly for progressive issues, policies and organizations. Equal opportunity, strong public education, workers’ right to organize, marriage equality, and the green economy are just a few issues on which we have worked together for years, and on which he'll lead as governor.

Furthermore, passing a progressive agenda requires progressive candidates at all levels of governance. Matt has been and continues to be a key leader in this electoral organizing effort and in mentoring new candidates.

We may not always agree on everything or support the same candidate, but we've known where Matt stands, what he's fighting for and that he'll seriously listen to our point of view. We believe Matt will be an exceptional governor."

"I was raised and lived in Southwest Minnesota most of my life; in business here the last 33 years. Matt and Lois have been longtime acquaintances; Gerlinde and I were married in the church that Lois’s father was pastor at in Marshall. We need a governor who understands the problems we’re facing; we need Matt Entenza. I know in my heart that Matt will be thinking about not just Marshall, but every town like Marshall in greater Minnesota, every moment that he is governor."

Dear Friends:

The events of the last couple of weeks remind us that the struggle for sustainable peace, justice and the environment has intensified.

That’s why I am supporting Matt for Governor. He blends vision, intelligence and toughness with strong progressive instincts. He’s a leader who can get things done in the electoral and legislative arenas. He has demonstrated that he will take up a budget fight when necessary and not just turn things over to the Neo-Cons.

I first met Matt when he walked into the Nuclear Weapons Freeze Campaign office in the mid-80’s. We have been friends ever since. I have seen him develop into an effective progressive leader.

The next governor will face enormous challenges. We will need a leader on progressive taxes, compassionate cuts, wise conservation and visionary, sustainable growth. I have the confidence and trust that Matt will energize all of us to rebuild Minnesota.

With hope and resolve,

Mel Duncan

"I have known Matt Entenza since law school at the University of Minnesota. As both Matt’s friend and his colleague in the State Legislature, I’ve been proud to watch him grow into the progressive leader he is today. I couldn’t be prouder to endorse his candidacy for governor of Minnesota.

Matt understands what makes Minnesota so special – he’s a product of a strong Minnesota community and a solid Minnesota public education. Matt’s got his priorities straight - he has a clear vision of what we have to do to keep delivering on Minnesota’s promise.

Matt has stood up time and again – and won – against Republicans who have wanted to balance budgets on the backs of hard-working Minnesotans. Matt is the kind of leader we need to make Minnesota work again. Matt is the kind of ally I need here in Minnesota to help deliver on the hard work Congress is doing in Washington.”

"In my 34 years in law enforcement, I rarely found elected officials as committed to issues of justice as Matt Entenza. I dealt with Matt a lot in my 12 years as Saint Paul's police chief, and he was always a strong partner to our law enforcement officials. But equally important is Matt's commitment to policies that made our community stronger-the kind of policies that make an officer's job easier. We need these policies from our governor, and Matt's the man who will make that happen."

"When I was president of St. Paul Firefighters Local 21, I knew I could always go to Matt in the legislature. Matt’s not only a strong supporter of labor and of firefighters, but he’s also one of Minnesota’s strongest public safety advocates. From our conversations, Matt’s commitment to adequately funding public safety is unwavering. I have no doubt that he is the best candidate for governor -— for firefighters, for St. Paul, for labor, for Minnesota."

"As a young lawyer who worked for me in the Hennepin County Attorney's Office prosecuting white collar crime, as a legislator, and as a fellow progressive Minnesotan, Matt has not just talked about making Minnesota a place where justice prevails and we all prosper together. Matt has made the tough decisions, has done the heavy lifting and has gotten things done. Matt has delivered smart investments in education and health care and is ready to make Minnesota a leader in a clean, green economy that produces real wealth in the form of good jobs."

"Matt showed his concern for the Latino community in 2006 after the shocking immigration raids against workers in Worthington, his home town. In public remarks, he has repeatedly acknowledged Latino contributions to our state and our region. These statements demonstrate an understanding of the issues that are important to us and of our potential to actively assist in Minnesota’s economic recovery, and they say a lot about Matt and the kind of inclusive, forward-looking governor he would be for our entire state.

"Our state will be better off with Matt Entenza as our governor."

"I know Matt will be a great governor because he has shown the courage and integrity to stand up for what is right.

"In my professional life I serve people with developmental disabilities. Tim Pawlenty’s health and human services budget cuts harm the good people who struggle with the impact of physical and intellectual disabilities; indeed, the cuts have forced some into dangerous situations.

"Back in 2005, then-House DFL Leader Matt Entenza joined with Sen. Dean Johnson and stood up to Gov. Pawlenty and Republican leaders, saving health care for poor working families. Matt and Dean fought for what was right and won. My friends with disabilities need Matt to fight for them in St. Paul. You, I, and every other Minnesotan need Matt; someone who has stood up against opposition to do what is right and has the courage and integrity to do it again."

"I have been a supporter of Matt Entenza throughout his career. He has not only stood by the Minnesota LGBT community; he has been out in front leading on issues important to the LGBT community. His ground-breaking introduction of a gay marriage bill was one of many wonderful examples of his belief in equality and human rights for everyone.

"It is not enough for our leaders to merely vote the right way on issues of equality for the LGBT community. If our leaders are not in front on these fundamental issues, then they are part of the problem. No matter the political convenience or circumstances, Matt always has been carrying and moving the ball forward. That matters very much to me and to my partner Scott, who very much would like to get married in the state we have called home our whole lives.

"Matt will make the best governor for all of Minnesota because he brings this passion and convictions to everything he does. He will lead on the issues and be part of the solution to the challenges facing our state. Matt will WIN because he has proven that he is dedicated to making Minnesota a great place to live for everyone.

"For all these reasons and more, I and the Stonewall DFL caucus are proud to support Matt Entenza for governor of Minnesota."

"Matt Entenza is the candidate with the experience and strength to lead our state in a new direction. During his time in the legislature, he demonstrated a commitment to reach out and include people from diverse cultures, religions and viewpoints, bringing them together toward a common goal. We need this kind of leadership in the governor’s office."

“After serving with Matt for six years, I feel I’ve gotten to know him as a person and as a leader. On a personal level, Matt treats people with honesty, fairness, and respect. As a leader, he stood up for the right issues even in the face of tough opposition.”

"As minority leader in the Minnesota House of Representatives, Matt Entenza worked to diversify the House DFL staff. He carried legislation to preserve and strengthen the Council on Black Minnesotans, as well the other councils for Minnesotans of color. Matt respects and honors the diversity of our state.

"Matt's also addressing issues of concern to our communities. He’s talking about growing good jobs in Minneapolis and all over Minnesota by embracing the green economy. He’s talking about closing the achievement gap and ensuring every child gets a high quality education. He's talking about providing health care to all Minnesotans.

"It's time to make Minnesota work again. It's time for Matt Entenza!"

“We’re supporting Matt’s campaign because we share Matt’s vision for a Minnesota that aims high in investing in the future of this state. We know we can entrust our children and grandchildren’s future to Matt’s leadership and vision.”

"When it comes to issues there is no single issue more important to me than education. In fact, a large percentage of my vote is based upon who the best education candidate will be. Based on that criteria, Entenza immediately rose to the top of the pack even amongst DFL candidates normally known for their friendly public education stances. The think tank he founded, Minnesota 2020, is the gold standard for anyone looking to understand the reasons we need to invest in public education. I fully expect Entenza will bring this research and this policy perspective to the Governor's office."

Read the entire endorsement at http://liberalinthelandofconservative.blogspot.com/2009/09/entenza-for-governor.html.

"I support Matt Entenza for Governor because Minnesota needs more jobs! Matt is the only candidate who already has a detailed plan to expand our renewable energy sector into a short-term source of jobs that cannot be taken away and a long-term source of economic prosperity for our state. His focus on encouraging and developing this industry will make Minnesota a regional powerhouse - in more ways than one. If we want to grow Minnesota's
economy, we need Matt!"

"Matt Entenza has displayed a talent for selecting individuals of ability for tasks that demand intelligence and are well suited to handle a variety of personalities. He likes people around him who push him and disagree with him because he knows that through questioning comes wisdom and better public policy.

"In an age of politicians seeking the a sound bite or a cut line, Matt formed Minnesota 2020 so Minnesota would have a forum for controversial issues and traveled the entire state making sure all of Minnesota's voices were heard on these controversial issues. In these difficult times Matt Entenza would give Minnesota what it needs most, a leader that wants to do what is best for Minnesota."

"Matt Entenza has the ability and determination to make Minnesota the nation's renewable energy leader. Matt has been there from the beginning. Without his early support over eight years ago, Minnesota would not have developed and passed the Renewable Energy Standard of 25% by 2025

As a former legislator and chief author of the Renewable Energy Standard, I know that Matt's support helped me turn a once obscure and unattainable law into reality. Matt promoted the issue across a wide range of stakeholders, wary legislators, conservative opinion, and strong utility opposition. It's clear to me that for Matt Entenza wind, solar, clean energy, green jobs and rural development are not just popular campaign buzz-words. And Matt knows that competition for renewable energy projects across America is fierce. As Governor, Matt will put Minnesota's talent to work again and build the renewable energy economy many others simply talk about. For this reason, I'm proud to endorse Matt Entenza for governor."

“I have known Matt since I was first elected to the Minnesota House. I support Matt Entenza because he is ready to lead Minnesota into the next decade which can and should be a decade of prosperity and job creation.

“He understands the needs and concerns of greater Minnesota and he keeps in touch with people from all walks of life and corners of the state. He is a parent of older teens so understands the need for education funding and making sure we don’t leave this next generation of college-age students behind. He had humble beginnings which have never left him, and so he appreciates the concept of helping those who are in the position of needing help. He has a grasp of the need for health care reform and investment as it impacts all ages of our population.

“Matt Entenza is a leader who isn’t afraid to take on the challenges facing Minnesota today. He is a level headed, common sensical, goal driven leader who will make good decisions for the health and care of all not just a select few. He has southern Minnesota roots which keep him grounded. We need to move Minnesota away from being scared about our future to investing in it. I want to again be proud of the state and Matt will bring us back to doing what’s right because that’s what’s right!”

"Minnesota is facing challenges it has never seen before. Minnesota needs a courageous leader like Matt Entenza, who has worked his way up the ladder to be an outstanding leader of the Minnesota Legislature and the founder of MN2020. As governor, Matt Entenza will make sure everyone will have access to health care and opportunities for higher education and a good-paying job. We need Matt Entenza to lead us into the new age of innovation, creative engineering and advances in science and industry that will lead us and our families into the future."

“Matt is a hard working guy, he is committed to public service, and he’s a good leader who can bring different people with diverse ideas together to achieve a common goal. He came from a modest background like myself, and I know he worked really hard to get to a level where he can take care of his family and other families as well.”

"Matt Entenza comes from a small town; he graduated from Macalester College and then law school at the U of M; he also lived abroad and attended Oxford University, which gave him international life experiences. His 12 years as a state legislator make him a proven leader: a strong champion of K-12 education, refugee and immigrant issues, job opportunities for the working class, and affordable health care for every Minnesotan. Matt, as an elected official, not only listened to his constituents, he also solicited my input regarding the crucial issues that the Hmong and other immigrants have faced. He is a true friend to the immigrant community – meeting countless leaders, activists, and individuals in the Hmong community to listen to their concerns. Matt understands our needs, and he will act to make Minnesota a great place to raise family and enjoy life. I am with Matt because he is the candidate with proven leadership and vision for every Minnesotan."

"As a green entrepreneur, I know how important it is to secure our future energy needs. The next governor is going to face a great temptation to put off working on our future prosperity while solving the tremendous economic problems of today. Matt will find a way to do both at the same time."

“It is imperative we win the governor’s seat. Doing so will take a candidate who can raise the money to win, campaign 365 days a year, understand both rural and metro Minnesota, stay focused on their message and not be associated with the fallout from the past legislative session and unallotments that will challenge incumbents and obscure the focus on the future of our state.

“The candidate who can win and has the knowledge and foresight to take back Minnesota is Matt Entenza.

“I first met Matt in 2000 and took the opportunity to inform him of the potential for Democratic growth in Rochester and southeastern Minnesota. He listened when no one else would, understood and didn’t forget. In 2003 and 2004, House Minority Leader Matt Entenza came to Rochester repeatedly to help build our party and recruit candidates. In 2004 two Democrats were elected to the State House, the first in over 40 years from Rochester. Matt did the same thing all across the state, building today’s DFL majority.

“Matt Entenza has the experience, vision and knowledge to rebuild our state and make Minnesota work again!”